12.17.09 Section A - Southside Sentinel
Transcription
12.17.09 Section A - Southside Sentinel
SSentinel.com Serving Middlesex County and adjacent areas of the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck since 1896 Urbanna, Virginia 23175 • December 17, 2009 Vol. 115, No. 38 Two Sections • 75¢ Arrests made in store robbery Warrants issued for more suspects by Tom Chillemi Two weeks after Big John’s Convenience Store at Church View was robbed on November 15, Middlesex Sheriff’s Office investigators had arrested a suspect, reported sheriff Guy L. Abbott this week. Another suspect in the robbery was arrested on Monday, December 14, said Captain M.E. Sampson, a sheriff’s office investigator. There still are outstanding warrants for two more suspects, who remain at large, in connection with the Big John’s robbery or recent burglaries, said Captain Sampson. The first suspect apprehended was Anthony Detroin Goins, 25, of Locust Hill, who was arrested November 30 and charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit a robbery, and wearing a mask in a public place, said Captain Sampson. Goins also has been charged with two counts of breaking-and-entering with intent to commit a felony for his part in two alleged daytime residential burglaries in Saluda between October 27 and 28, said Captain Sampson. The investigation of the Middlesex crimes also led to charges being filed against Goins in Gloucester, where he remains in jail. Court records show that Goins faces six felony charges in Gloucester County, including two counts of robbing a residence, grand larceny, possession of a gun, entering a house to commit a felony, and using a firearm in commission of a felony. Charges against Goins were filed by a Gloucester Sheriff’s Office investigator on November 30. On December 14, Jerome Wright, 40, of Newport News was charged in Middlesex with robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery of Big John’s Store, said Captain Sampson. He was arrested by Newport News police. Wright also was arrested on December 3 and charged in connection with the Goins’ alleged October 28 residential burglary in Saluda. Preliminary hearings for Goins and Wright are set for Monday, December 21, at 1 p.m. in Middlesex General District Court. The arrests are the result of a joint effort by Middlesex Sheriff’s Office investigators P.T. Lyons Jr. and C.B. Sibley, who worked with a Gloucester Sheriff’s Office investigator and the Newport News police, noted Captain Sampson. Deltaville Christmas tradition Sentinel has early deadline next week The Southside Sentinel has early news and advertising deadlines for next week’s issue due to the Christmas holiday. The Sentinel will be published one day earlier next week on Wednesday, December 23. The display ad deadline for the December 23 issue is 10 a.m. on Monday, December 21 (email to [email protected]; fax to 7585896; or call 758-2328). The news and classified ad deadlines are at noon on Monday, December 21. Email news to [email protected] and classifieds to classifi[email protected], or fax 758-5896 or call 758-2328. Early submission of advertising and news items will be greatly appreciated. The December 23 issue will be the last Southside Sentinel of 2009. The first Sentinel of 2010 will be published on January 7, 2010. The Sentinel office will be closed from noon on Wednesday, December 23, through Sunday, January 3, for the holidays. The Sentinel office will re-open for business at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, January 4. The staff of the Southside Sentinel wishes all of its readers a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year. The annual Jackson Creek Cruise is one highlight of the Deltaville Christmas season. Part of the event’s charm is a hay wagon ride to the tour boat. Above, visitors admire the decorated home of Chuck and Carol Walsh and family on Lovers Lane as they head to the dock. (Photo by Tom Chillemi) High county land values mean less state money by Larry S. Chowning The 2007 figures used to determine composite indexes for the next two years for each county in Virginia have been released, and Middlesex’s total real estate values are the fourth highest in the area and its composite index is the third highest. Middlesex’s composite index, which determines the county’s ability to fund its own school expenses and other aspects of local government, will increase from .6786 to .7431. This increase means county taxpayers will pay about 74 cents of every dollar that is spent toward local school operating expenses, and will have to come up with an additional $300,000 next year to cover the lost state revenue. The fair market value of a county’s real estate is the main factor used in determining a composite index, and Middlesex has considerable “high value” waterfront property that continues to cause the county’s composite index to increase. Middlesex is a much smaller county in square miles than adjacent Essex County, yet Middlesex’s “true value of property” is nearly $1 billion more than Essex. Middlesex’s assessed real estate values total $2.996 billion com- School board wants higher teacher salaries by Larry S. Chowning Festive feline 56525 10561 6 In side 6 “Peanut Fuzzball Smith” is a curious cat. She especially likes to explore the Christmas tree in the home of Eric and Stephanie Smith of Urbanna. Peanut belongs to the Smiths’ children, Emilie and Adam. The rescued cat is only 6 months old and was recently found near the Remlik home of Stephanie’s parents, Irma and Otis Ryman, by the Rymans’ dog Cookie. Peanut will certainly liven things up at the Smith house this Christmas. Arts & Leisure ........ A6 Business Director y .. B4 Calendar ............... A4 Church .................. A8 Classifieds ............. B4 School .................. B3 Social ................... A5 Sports .................. B1 Some members of the Middlesex County School Board let it be known Monday that they will ask for pay raises for county teachers during upcoming talks on the 2010-11 (FY11) school budget. Middlesex Elementary School principal Jeannie White Duke and St. Clare Walker principal and assistant school superintendent James Lane said top budget priorities at their schools are to increase teacher salaries to keep the present teaching staff intact. “We have a good teaching staff at MES,” said Duke. “We don’t want to lose our teachers to other divisions over salaries.” School board member Richard Shores said he wants school teachers to get at least a 3% raise this year in an effort to “catch up” for not giving raises last year. School board member Lee Walton said there will be no catch-up because Middlesex teacher salaries are already behind many neighboring school divisions. “We are talking about cost-ofliving increases because the cost of living continues to go up for everyone.” Walton noted that other school divi- “We are talking about cost-of-living increases because the cost of living continues to go up for everyone.” —Lee Walton sions probably will not give huge salary increases in these hard economic times, but some Middlesex teachers may opt to accept jobs elsewhere because their current salaries are so much lower than what they would receive in many other school divisions. School board member Elliott Reed said, “I’d love to give teachers a 5% raise this year, but it’s not realistic to even consider it. I feel this board will do everything it can to get teacher salaries up, and I hope the board of supervisors will support us.” Shores showed some frustration toward the board of supervisors. He indicated that every year when the pared with $2.059 billion for Essex. Middlesex’s last composite index was figured on $2.378 billion of true value of real estate, so in two years the value has increased over $600 million. Gloucester, Lancaster, Mathews, Northumberland and Middlesex counties are all near the mouths of rivers that lead into the Chesapeake Bay. Land values in these counties are higher than in Essex and King and Queen, which are further upriver. Northumberland’s composite index is based on about $4.33 billion worth of true property value; Gloucester is based on $4.67 billion; Lancaster, $3.68 billion; Mathews, $2.11 billion; and King and Queen, $1.07 billion. Northumberland and Lancaster composite indexes are set at the highest level allowed—.8000. This means these counties must pay 80 cents out of every dollar toward financing its own school system and some other governmental agencies. Middlesex has the third highest composite index in the area at .7431. Mathews is at .5883; Essex .4869; King and Queen .4404; and Gloucester .3704. Also used in compiling a county’s (See Composite, page A2) Investigation of rape cases continues Kilmarnock Police Chief Mike Bedell reported Tuesday that the investigation into capturing the serial rapist who recently attacked two Kilmarnock women has led to a very strong suspect. Bedell said that although he feels confident the investigation is on the right track, authorities are still looking into other suspects and have taken DNA swabs from multiple persons. “Until someone is charged, we have to naturally assume a suspect is still (See Salaries, page A2) (See Cases, page A2) Christmas Delivery Wrestlers Win Potato Peeler PAGE A3 PAGE B1 PAGE B8 A2 • Southside Sentinel • Urbanna, Va. • Dec. 17, 2009 opinion one woman’s opinion sert. One must ever be flexible in life. Thoughts at Christmas, Part 2 Later, in the wee hours of the morning, Urbanna, Va.— As the clock ticks nearer to Christmas, our thoughts turn to family. We want Joseph’s temperature spiked to 104 and the chilmost at Christmas to be with our children. A son dren rushed him to Lewisburg Hospital. “He lives in Ripley, West Virginia, and our daugh- has the 36-hour bug,” they reported on return, ter lives in Baltimore. We celebrate the holiday which meant he would be sick until it was time to check out on Sunday. with both families. We woke up the next morning to a beautiful It had to be an early Christmas with Wake and Lori this year because they are expect- snowfall. I mean real snow, West Virginia snow, ing another baby at Christmas. We met at the not the powdery dustings we usually have in Greenbrier Hotel last weekend for an early cel- Tidewater Virginia. By the end of the day we had seven inches on the ground. We trudged over to ebration. The Greenbrier, sometimes called “the crown the hotel for a round of bowling in the morning, jewel of West Virginia,” is under new manage- baby-sat Joseph in the afternoon while the chilment. The south entrance was blocked off by a dren enjoyed some fun at the spa, and returned massive construction project, an underground for afternoon tea and a violin concert. Joseph was too sick to go out for dinner casino, which is being built to that night so we ordered it delivattract more guests. A massive ered to the cottage. crane hovered over the area That night the 80-foot-plus like some monstrous bird and Christmas tree in front of the we were directed to the north Greenbrier was officially turned entrance for check in. on and all 28,000 white lights Wake and Lori have a 2-yeartwinkled in the snow as Santa old so we decided to stay in a arrived in a horse-drawn wagon cottage so if Joseph wanted to through the snow to greet the run and shriek, he would not huge crowd that had assembled disturb anyone. We checked for Christmas carols. Guests into “Baltimore Cottage” and and natives stood together in we were quite happy to be furjoyous song. It was very nice, ther away from the construction except Joseph missed the entire taking place on the front lawn. show. Oh good, a fireplace had The next morning Joseph was already been laid for us. How feeling better so we walked to perfect to rock and chat with by Mary the main dining room for breakmy grandson in front of a roarWakefield Buxton fast. The 6,500-acre grounds ing fire. were blanketed in snow and, It was roaring all right. The damper was closed and the cottage immedi- with the sun out and the baby smiling, the world ately filled with choking smoke, which set off was bright and beautiful. After breakfast Joseph positioned himself the fire alarm and brought two fire trucks with sirens screaming to our front door. After setting at the dining room window to watch the crane up several fans and opening windows, we were lowering pipes to workmen while bulldozers soon able to get back into the cottage to con- and dump trucks roared by. He was perfectly content. If we had known that all the baby tinue our visit. All went well that afternoon. We enjoyed wanted was to watch work at a construction site, shopping in the hotel’s lovely arcade and had we could have stayed home and saved a lot of tea with a pianist playing classical music. Later money. We drove home on Sunday in the winter wonwe tried the new “Prime 44 West” steak house named after West Virginia University’s two-time derland. By Charlottesville the snow was a mere All-American, Gold Medal Olympian and NBA dusting and by Richmond it was totally gone. We look forward to being with my daughter’s great, Jerry West, who lives in the area. But halfway through dinner Joseph threw up. family soon. Meanwhile, sweet memories of a Of course, every grandparent expects such an flush-cheeked baby and wild, wonderful, snowy event at a formal meal with a baby. Off they West Virginia fill my pen. (continued next week) went while we sat to finish dinner. Lori had ©2009 www.marywakefieldbuxton.com ordered a birthday cake as my son was turning Signed copies of Mary’s new book, “Middlesex 40 this month, but the waitress hastily changed the birthday cake to a happy anniversary cake. Memories” are available at bookstores and the “Happy anniversary, dear,” I said as we ate des- Southside Sentinel. letters to the editor Get the ball rolling Homeowners on Tier III for in LDR zones Urbanna Creek could be at risk To the Editor: I read with anger and disappointment in the December 3 Southside Sentinel the fact that the Middlesex Board of Supervisors took no action on recommending Tier III status for Urbanna Creek. The article stated, “Tier III status is designed to prevent permanent or long-term degradation of certain waterways.” Mr. Culley’s comparison of Urbanna Creek with Ragged Island Creek near the City of Suffolk is absolutely and totally irrelevant. His mentioning that Ragged Island Creek is the only tidal tributary designated Tier III in the region is also pointless. Quoting from the Sentinel, “Culley indicated that if the county wanted to combine sewage treatment plants with Urbanna and the regional jail in the future, the Tier III status could jeopardize such a plan.” He’s exactly right. The reason Urbanna requested Tier III status is to prevent what Mr. Culley seems to want to do. A different article in the Dec. 3 Sentinel stated, “Morgan (Delegate Harvey Morgan) warned the county that Virginia has not done its part in cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay and the EPA has said it is going to come in and tell us how to do it. It’s going to be expensive.” It seems to me, that in light of this warning, the board of supervisors would be jumping on the bandwagon to prevent any increase in sewage—treated or raw—to be emptied into Urbanna Creek or any waters in Middlesex. I am asking Middlesex supervisors to get the ball rolling by: (1) inviting David C. Whitehurst of the DEQ to come to a board meeting and give a talk on Tier III status; (2) hold a public hearing on the matter; (3) vote on granting Tier III (Continued from page A1) status; and (4) study alternate methods of treating and/or getcomposite index is adjusted front land values. Much of this enrollment of 739. Mathews ting rid of sewage. gross income, taxable sales tax, land involves second homes of has a population of 9,249, and a Gary Thimsen school population, and total people who live permanently school enrollment of 1,280. Urbanna population. in other areas. Thus, the county The composite index is figAdjusted income shows a low year-around popu- ured by the state every two years. Middlesex’s gross adjusted lation and a low school popula- It will be re-evaluated in 2011, Grown weary income is about $266 mil- tion. and current 2009 figures will be lion; Lancaster is $366 milPopulation used in the formula. Since there of chasing lion; Gloucester, $886 million; Middlesex’s population is will be no reassessment of real imaginary gods Mathews, $279 million; about 10,235 and its public estate before the re-evaluation, To the Editor: King and Queen, $132 mil- school population is about Middlesex taxpayers probably This letter is in response to lion; Essex, $208 million; and 1,251. When the county’s will be strapped with high comNorthumberland, $302 million. low population is figured in posite index figures for several the Letters to the Editor in last week’s Sentinel. Gross adjusted incomes are with high real estate values, it years to come. Rudolf Bultmann briefly figured from permanent resi- appears that the county is quite came out of retirement in Gerdents of a county and “out-of- wealthy. Using composite index many in 1958 at the personal state non-resident” property figures, Middlesex is considrequest of Dr. Beck, his colowners. ered the 13th wealthiest of VirThe gross adjusted incomes ginia’s 96 counties. (Continued from page A1) league and the head of the Religion Department at Syraof Middlesex property owners The population and public who live in other counties in school enrollment of a county school budget process comes cuse University, to lecture for Virginia are only included in the impacts its composite index. along and things are cut from the one semester there on a subcounty in which they reside. Lancaster is like Middlesex budget, supervisors try to dodge ject of his choice. He selected Paul’s letter to the “ecclesia tou Taxable sales in that it has a small popu- responsibility for the cuts. Middlesex’s taxable sales are lation (11,593) and small “Supervisors say we give theou” in Rome (to the “faithabout $84 million. Lancaster, school enrollment (1,335). the school board a lump sum ful” there, now called the letter $159 million; Gloucester, $372 Northumberland is similar with of money and school officials to the Romans). I was 19, out of high school million; Mathews, $40 mil- a population of 13,316 and a decide what is cut—not the lion; King and Queen, $15 mil- school enrollment of 1,430. supervisors,” said Shores. “It’s just one year, still ineligible to lion; Essex, $191 million; and Gloucester and Essex have a false statement. We can’t take vote, and had not yet begun Northumberland, $67 million. larger school enrollments, money for books and put it religious studies, having just Real estate values which help to lower their com- into salaries. If we don’t have transferred from the School of Real estate values are the posite indexes. Gloucester has enough funds to run the school Architecture. Why Dr. Beck number one factor in determin- a population of 35,960, and a buses, we can’t put it into sala- offered me one of the last (of ing a county’s composite index, school enrollment of 5,910. ries. Do not applaud the super- 25) slots still available for the gross income is second, and Essex has a population of visors when they say it’s not event, I’ll never know. Surrounding me in the room were taxable retail sales third, said 10,683, and a school enroll- their fault.” school superintendent Rusty ment of 1,608. Board chairperson Beth Hurd luminaries of every cast, who Fairheart. King and Queen has a popu- said she feels teacher salaries had come to honor and pay Middlesex has high water- lation of 6,939 and a school have been a top priority for homage to a man whose name many years, but added that she I’d never even heard before. During the course of his lecis concerned about other areas as well. “We have gone many tures, Bultmann was occasionyears without new things,” she ally asked to tell of his research said. “We have not kept up with into the Jesus of history. In buying new school buses each doing so once, he alluded, in Published in the Interest of the Territory year and we have not kept up very broken English, to “The Quest For The Historical with advances in technology. Lying South of the Rappahannock River “It doesn’t make good finan- Jesus.” Around me were nuns cial sense to think that we can from Chicago, priests, rabbis, RAPPAHANNOCK PRESS, INC., Publisher buy 10 school buses in one an Orthodox prelate and mulyear,” Hurd said. “We can’t tiple scholars, many of whom Frederick A. Gaskins, President and Publisher afford it. We used to buy two nodded in agreement while Elizabeth Lee C. Gaskins, Secretary/Treasurer buses a year, but we haven’t murmuring, “yes,” “outstandJohn Thomas Hardin, Editor done that since I’ve been on ing,” “ground-breaking.” So, I the board. At some point, all assumed Bultmann had written Staff: Larry S. Chowning and Tom Chillemi, General Assignment Reportthis is going to reach a breaking the book. After five more years, I point.” ers; Deborah Haynes, Advertising Manager; Maeghaen Goss and Wendy School superintendent Rusty myself had grown weary of Payne, Advertising Representatives; Julie H. Burwood, Art Director; Joe Fairheart said the school sys- chasing imaginary, ineffectual Gaskins, Graphic Designer; Connie G. Walton, Compositor; Peggy Baughan, tem’s top priorities are to gods from one superstitious Circulation and Classified Manager; Geanie Longest, Customer Accounts “enhance and maintain student culture to another. So, in 1964, Manager; and Mike G. Kucera, Multimedia Manager. achievement”; to encourage I began what turned out to be The Southside Sentinel (USPS 504-080) is published each Thursday exthe present workforce to stay my life’s work of 27 years as through giving raises and other an L.A. County Children’s Procept Christmas week. Periodicals postage paid at Urbanna, Va. 23175. incentives; to make the entire tective Services Worker, rarely Subscriptions: $24 per year in Middle Peninsula Counties and $30 per organization more efficient; and thinking of religion or of Dr. year elsewhere. prioritize any issues concerning Bultmann Phone, Fax and Email: Phone: (804) 758-2328; Fax: (804) 758-5896; Even so, I have saved, in a school safety. Editorial: [email protected]; Advertising: [email protected]; Classifieds: Fairheart informed the school file cabinet upstairs, a meager classifi[email protected]; Subscriptions: [email protected] and board that Middlesex County’s sophomore thesis titled simply, website: www.ssentinel.com. composite index has increased, “Romans.” Now, 52 years later, which means the county will I still can’t bring myself to Postmaster: Send address changes to Southside Sentinel, P.O. Box 549, Urbanna, Va. 23175 lose about $300,000 in state aid throw it away. Jerry Johnson to schools in FY11 (see related Pluck, Perseverance and Progress Urbanna story, page A1). Composite index . . . Salaries . . . To the Editor: Want something fishy in your backyard? Residential and waterfront homeowners, you may be at risk. Do you live in a Low Density Rural (LDR) district in Middlesex County? There is an LDR zoning ordinance amendment in the works. Waterfront homeowners, your next door neighbor could be a seafood processing plant, a commercial fishing pier or a contractor’s storage yard. This ordinance amendment adds uses for shellfish, finfish, aquaculture products, packing and storage plants and uses for other types of facilities for the grading, packing, processing and marketing of something. What’s the “something” and what other types of facilities? Your private road could be opened to public use for access to commercial or recreational fishing piers. This use could permit public and commercial use of your private road. A free ride for some—expensive road maintenance to you. This amendment could allow non-compatible uses in rural residential areas, subdivisions and waterfront neighborhoods. Want to live next to a cement brick or stone manufacturer, or a mulch recycling or a disposal facility, or some other type of disposal use? What type of disposal facility? For what use? This amendment could allow industrial and commercial uses in your community’s “backyard.” Help protect your property values and neighborhoods. Stop these types of non-compatible uses from happening. Don’t wait, please read this amendment now. I didn’t think this could happen in our subdivision either, but it could. Don’t let this happen in our county. Call your supervisor and planning commissioner(s) and help stop these changes. The next Middlesex Planning Commission meeting could be soon. See a copy of the proposed zoning ordinance amendment online at www. co.middlesex.va.us/planning. htm. Diane Bennett Wake Citizens must get behind new candidates To the Editor: When I read in the Southside Sentinel that county supervisor Kenneth Wayne Williams wondered where new money would be coming from to run Middlesex County, I wondered where he was for the last five years. His reluctance to vote for the Rosegill project and Gene Ruark’s Healy’s Mill project resulted in a loss to the county of upwards of $5 million (yes, $5 million) in new taxes. He did support spending $7 or $8 million on a new courthouse, and $700,000 repairing the middle school roof when $150,000 would have done it. This county cannot and will not support elected officials who do not have their constituents’ interests as their foremost agenda. Witness the last election where voters removed a member of the board who decided it was more important to spend meeting time criticizing the sheriff for attempting to save money on car repairs with no plan on how to cover the costs he was absorbing. The cronyism, personal vendettas and lack of planning exhibited by others on the board should provide momentum for their replacement in the next election. Hopefully, citizens of this county who have a vested interest in its fiscal solvency and believe planning is a worthy endeavor will run. And hopefully, the citizens of this county—the voters—will get behind them and elect two new members who have a non-selfserving vision for Middlesex County. Jeanne Johansen Deltaville Proud to have been selected To the Editor: Thank you for bestowing such a wonderful honor on us as grand marshals for the Urbanna Christmas Parade. We thank all the people for their congratulatory telephone calls and notes. We were so proud to have been selected for this great honor. Thanks to the Town of Urbanna, Mayor Beatrice Taylor, parade chairman Lois Jean Brooks, the Southside Sentinel, and Tom Chillemi. Rejoice in May God bless you all. You all the struggle have blessed our life with this wonderful time as grand marTo the Editor: shals. It is very easy to say, “I Kenneth and Jeannine Rowe believe in Jesus,” but without Urbanna the work to back it up – saying it means nothing. Jesus taught us to pray that Outstanding job the Father’s kingdom will To the Editor: come; that His will will be We owe the Urbanna Town done on this earth, just as it is Decorating Committee a debt done in heaven. Disciples of of gratitude. They have done Jesus work toward the king- an outstanding job of dressing dom. up our charming town for the And what does God’s king- Christmas season. Thanks for a dom mean? Does it mean that job well done! we will be bound by the laws Peg Davis that God supposedly gave to Urbanna Harbour the ancient Hebrews in the Old Testament? That adulterers and homosexuals will be stoned to death? That we will not be allowed to eat crabs and oysters, or wear cloth made of (Continued from page A1) different kinds of fibers? That does not sound like out there,” he said. “The lab is going through the evidence we God’s kingdom to me. In God’s kingdom, ignorance, recovered at the crime scene poverty, tribalism and war will right now. In cases involving be so rare we’ll be horrified DNA it can take three to six when they occur. Suffering will months, but with the help of be minimized. God’s kingdom our elected officials, the lab put will include everybody in the a higher priority on it and we world, and it will have liberty should get the results sooner.” Since questioning the susand justice for all. Jesus’ prayer is the liberal’s pects, police have not received any more calls about disturgreat commission. We don’t have to wait for bances such as early morning Jesus to come again. Jesus is knocks on back doors or ringamong us now. When we are at ing of doorbells. There have our best, his spirit is our spirit; been no other sexual assaults his hands are our hands. Even since the Nov. 28 and Dec. 1 many nonbelievers—and many attacks, Bedell noted. The police chief urged resiliberals are nonbelievers—are doing the work, and their hands dents to continue to take precautions with safety and security are Jesus’ hands too. Many Christians work dili- by keeping doors looked and gently in their communities— outside lights on. “Lancaster sheriff’s departbut what is wrong with us working as a country—as the ment investigator Joanie Kent American people—toward the has been instrumental in this investigation. We continue to goal that Jesus prayed for? Yes, besides its great victo- follow tips. We won’t put it to ries, liberalism has contradic- rest until we catch somebody,” tions and failures. For these Bedell said. Sheriff’s deputies from perhaps we can be forgiven. Meanwhile, the impious Lancaster, Richmond, Essex legions of privilege are ranked and Northumberland counties and waiting—just as they were continue to participate in the investigation and patrol neigh2000 years ago. Rejoice in the struggle. borhoods, said Bedell. Middlesex deputies assisted Onward, Christian soldiers. Earl Simpson with tracking dogs after each Wake attack, he said. Cases . . . Dec. 17, 2009 • Southside Sentinel • Urbanna, Va.• A3 sheriff’s report School officials, family members and friends attended a reception Monday to honor longtime school board member Jim Goforth (center, holding clock) of Hartfield. (Photo by Tom Hardin) Goforth honored for 14 years of county school board service by Tom Hardin School officials, family members and friends gathered at the Cooks Corner Office Complex meeting room Monday to honor a man who has served the children of the Middlesex County School System for 28 years, the last 14 as a member of the county school board. Jim Goforth began his career with the Middlesex County Schools in 1978 as assistant superintendent of schools. He served as superintendent of schools from 1984 to 1991. In 1995, after Middlesex County adopted a law requiring the election of school board members, Goforth was in the inaugural class of elected board members along with Nancy Jackson, Buddy Moore, Martha Lowe and Wayne Jessie. He was re-elected three times. Garland Harrow of Deltaville defeated Goforth in the 2009 election and will take office on January 1, 2010. At Monday’s reception, Middlesex School Superintendent Rusty Fairheart praised Goforth’s commitment to “serving children” for 43 years as a teacher, administrator and school board member. “He was uniquely qualified as a school board member and truly an asset to me,” said Fairheart. “He provided me with guidance and sound advice and truly will be missed by the faculty, staff and students. We have been blessed to have him as a school board member.” Fellow board member Dr. Richard Shores described Goforth as a “true friend. If you want to set a guideline as to what a school board member should be, he is it.” Shores said he didn’t think teachers realized how Goforth led the battle over the years to increase their salaries and to use any surpluses to help them with medical insurance costs. “Jim is a true supporter of the school system. We will miss him, and I will always seek his advice,” said Shores. School board chair Beth Hurd said, “Jim has contributed more to my understanding of what a good school board member should be than anyone else. He was very good with budget and Happy Holidays! Start making that New Year’s Resolution to be healthy in 2010! . Miller D.D.S. Eric N ® A healthy body starts with healthy teeth and gums. Call our office today to schedule a dental checkup. Accepting New Patients Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. "0ME7JSHJOJB4USFFUt6SCBOOB tXXXFSJDNJMMFSEETDPN ÀÃÌ>à ->ià Ladies sweaters 40% OFF Men's Shirts 40% OFF Big sales throughout the store! Bristow’s “Home of Good Goods” Established 1876 ,°-°ÊÀÃÌÜÊ-ÌÀiÊUÊ1ÀL>>]Ê6>°ÊUÊ758-2210 HourÃ\Ê`>ÞÊÌ ÀÕÊ->ÌÕÀ`>ÞÊ£ä\ääÊqÊx\ää Give the Gift of Dance Dance student Nia Curry Happy Holidays from Linda’s School of Dance! Classes held at The Middlesex YMCA (804) 320-1936 Classes for boys and girls ages 3 and up Ballet, Jazz, Tap. Pointe and Creative Movement personnel items. It’s unusual to find someone with his kind of talent and experience to serve on the board. “He always took a problem and tried to find a positive solution,” continued Hurd. “He rarely missed a board meeting and was a good role model for the other board members.” An emotional Goforth told those at the reception he had a difficult time deciding whether to run for re-election this year but “I truly wanted to be here to serve with Rusty [Fairheart]. He is going to do a great job.” Goforth said his “heart will always be with the school division.” Goforth was presented with an engraved clock in recognition of his 14 years on the school board. Middlesex County Sheriff Guy L. Abbott reports that 429 calls for service were documented between November 30 and December 13, 2009. Some of the incidents investigated and arrests made were: On January 26, 2005, a Deltaville resident notified the sheriff’s office that her home had been broken into and that her purse was missing. The documentation of this incident remained in the records management system at the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, albeit, inactive, until Deputy Norman Sibley received a phone call from a man in Chesterfield County on December 9, 2009. The man told Sibley that while he had been in Hartfield the day before cleaning leaves and other debris from a culvert pipe in a residential area of Hartfield, he noticed that something was still clogging the pipe. When the man was able to pull out the obstruction, he discovered that the “clog” was in fact a lady’s purse. Surprisingly, its contents, mostly still intact, included a drivers license, credit cards and other items. The man mailed the contents to Sibley who, in the meantime, requested a research of database records that dis- closed the original victim’s information and details of the contents that were in the purse when she last had possession of it. The victim of the 2005 purse theft was notified on Monday about the recovery of her property. Coincidentally, it turns out the victim of this crime was one of Deputy Sibley’s seventhgrade school teachers. William Alonza “Billy” Cauthorn Jr., 45, of Sandston, was arrested in Henrico on December 7 after having been in fugitive status with Middlesex on a felony capias since July 2008. Cauthorn was convicted of felony driving after having been declared a habitual offender in Middlesex Circuit Court in 2002. Cauthorn failed to meet the conditions set by the court to maintain his suspended sentence status. He was transferred from Henrico to the Middle Peninsula Regional Security Center in Saluda where he awaits arraignment on this most recent court action. A Healy’s Road resident reported that a laptop computer had been taken from his home between December 10 and 12, 2009. There were no signs of forced entry to the premises and the incident is under investigation. Christmas Friends to deliver gifts Saturday Volunteers of Christmas Friends Inc. will deliver hundreds of gifts to the less fortunate of Middlesex County during the morning of Saturday, December 19. The fleet of delivery vehicles is nearly complete. One pick-up truck is still needed to deliver bicycles, and one more van is needed on a stand-by basis in case it is needed. To volunteer to drive your vehicle for delivery, please call the Sentinel at 758-2328. Gift wrapping had to be extended to Sunday due to the large number of people being served this year. The number of recipients increased from 280 last year to about 300 this holiday season. Those receiving gifts should make sure someone is home to accept the gifts this Saturday morning between 8:30 a.m. and noon. Christmas Friends president Fred Gaskins thanked all the wrappers, shoppers and volunteers for their work. Christmas Friends secretary and shopping director Bettie Lee Gaskins said the most shoppers in the 23-year history of Christmas Friends have participated this year. So far this season, $28,900 has been spent by Christmas Friends shoppers, said Mrs. Gaskins. The fund-raising goal for Christmas Friends is $25,000, the same as last year. The community responded generously and donated $32,939.82 last year, which has enabled Christmas Friends to increase the amount allotted for gifts this year by an average of 15% per recipient. Since its creation in 1986, a key ingredient to the success of Christmas Friends has been its partnership with the Middlesex County Department of Social Services, which carefully screens all applicants for eligibility. Applicants must meet strict income guidelines. All funds donated to Christmas Friends go directly to help the needy children and disabled or low-income elderly of Middlesex. All workers are volunteers and there are no administrative fees. Supplies such as boxes, wrapping paper, tape, copying paper, envelopes and delivery bags are all donated and volunteers supply storage space, vans and fuel to assist with the big delivery job. Now in its 24th year, Christmas Friends is a 501(c)(3) organization. Tax-deductible donations may be made payable to Christmas Friends Inc., c/o Southside Sentinel, P.O. Box 549, Urbanna, VA 23175. Contributors will be recognized as Christmas Friends and their donations will be listed in the Sentinel. Contributors who wish to remain anonymous should request that their donations be listed as such. Memorial contributions will also be acknowledged. For more information, call Geanie Longest at the Southside Sentinel at 758-2328 or email her at [email protected]. Donations for week five totaled $6,815, which brings the 2009 total to $20,239. Recent Christmas Friends contributors include: In memory of Jim by Martha Engard, $50. Rappahannock Civic Club Inc., $100. In memory of Sudie and Walter Palmer Jr. from Peggy and Walter Palmer, $100. In memory of Richard Taylor Armstrong by Alice, David, Carol, Donna and Clay, $100. In honor of Allen and Frances Krowe from Doug and Vel Gray, $100. In memory of John E. Hunt by Chuck and Stephanie Hunt, $100. In honor of our teachers and class members—Spirit of Love Sunday School Class Harmony Grove Baptist Church, $100. Jack and Helen Tarran, $50. In honor of Ryan Payne by Mike and Janet Winebarger, $250. Bob and Chris Scherrer, $200. Neena and Richard Rodgers, $100. In memory of Elise H. by Norma T. and Dottie B., $100. In memory of Justin Wyatt by grandparents Kenny and Bernice Wyatt, $50. In memory of Cody Carlton, Chris Elbourne and Caleb Garnett by Grandad and Grandmom, $250. Forest Chapel Methodist Church Men, $50. In memory of Al Willett by Don and Judy Richwine, $25. Anonymous, $25. In honor of family and friends and in memory of loved ones by John A. Vaughan, $100. Stuart and Marcella Paxton, $50. Cyndy’s Bynn, $600. In memory of our parents by Basil and Beth Hurst, $50. Alan and Frances Miller, $25. Martha Oliver $25. In memory of Abby by Nancy Muldowney, $50. Phil and Shirley Allan, $100. In memory of Bill and Pete Forrer by Susan F. Williams, $150. Emory and Karen Minter, $100. In loving memory of C. Herbert Brown—love, the Hopper family, $100. In honor of Maureen and Jerry Wilson by Grammee, $25. In honor of Chuck and Stephanie Hunt and family by Grammee, $25. Urbanna Family Practice, $100. In memory of Darrell Meade by Sue Meade, $50. Anonymous, $100. Anonymous, $25. In memory of Rufus by Louise, $100. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Rappahannock, $165. In memory of Gilbert Olsen by Marilyn Olsen, $25. Herbert and Patricia Perkinson, $100. Anonymous, $150. Diane and Page Basheer, $200. In memory of Larry and Barbara Shores, $200. Forest Chapel United Methodist Church, $50. Anonymous, $200. In memory of my parents In memory of Cody CarlDeward C. and Ruby H. ton by Mom and Dad, $200. Apsley by Lloyd C. Apsley, Lions Club of Middlesex $350. County Inc., $1,000. Betty Page Bristow (right) of Cyndy’s Bynn in Urbanna presents a donation to Christmas Friends secretary Bettie Lee Gaskins. Cyndy’s Bynn donated 10 percent of all sales made December 7-12 to the local giving program. In honor of Mr. and Mrs. AF&AM, $500. Charles Garland by Don and Total collected this week Polly Van Benschoten, $50. $6,815. In memory of James L. Previous balance $13,424. Harris, $100. Total collected to date Urbanna Lodge No. 83 $20,239. 50% off Christmas Items 20% off Apparel 20% off Shoes & Purses 20% off Hats & Scarves Open late! Tuesday Jewelry & Accessories Casual & Resort Wear Home & Garden Accents Books & Baby Gifts Gift Cards - Always a perfect fit! /PEN!LL9EAR-ONDAYn3ATURDAYns3UNDAY.OONn 2T2Ts$ELTAVILLE6As A4 • Southside Sentinel • Urbanna, Va. • Dec. 17, 2009 DCA calendars have arrived Democrats The Deltaville Community Association (DCA) 2010 calendars have arrived from the publisher and are ready to be picked up. There are a few extra available at NAPA and Nauti Nell’s. The 2010 calendar marks the 34th year of DCA sponsorship. year-end meeting set Most costs for the calendar are underwritten by the ads purchased by local stores, shops and marinas. “They appreciate your business–mention that you saw their ad on your DCA calendar!” The Middlesex County Demsaid a DCA spokesperson. ocratic Committee invites all For more information, call members, families and friends Theresa at 776-6992. to its end-of-the-year meetingtonight, December 17, at the Cooks Corner Office Complex, three miles east of Saluda. The meet and greet will begin at EVB Bank, Henley’s, and 6:30 p.m. and meeting agenda Long and Foster. will follow at 7 p.m. All toys will be donated to Committee reorganization and Middlesex County Social Ser- 2010 plans will be discussed. vices and will be distributed Volunteers are always needed. locally. The drive ends Decem- Anyone interested in becomber 18. Contact Steve Larson ing a member of the Middlesex at 758-4393 for more informa- County Democratic Committee tion. is cordially invited to attend. Toys For Tots drive continues Middle Peninsula Detachment 1317 of the Marine Corps League is sponsoring the Toys For Tots drive in Middlesex County. Toys can be dropped off at the following locations: Coffman’s, Curves, Hurd’s, Dollar General, Metrocast, Great Value, December 18. 758-4393 unity Commalendar C December 19 UÊ ÀÌ iÀÊ iVÊ «ÕÌiÀÊ1ÃiÀà meet the third Saturday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury in Irvington. 438-4339 December 21 UÊ ÀÀÃÊÀ`}iÊ>iÊ ÃÕÀiÊiV°Ê£{q£ 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. motorists may be restricted to one lane. ÕViÃÌiÀÊ>ÞÊ`>ÞÊ} Ìà The Schlemmer family of Gloucester is anticipating having over 10,000 holiday lights this year. The Schlemmer home is in Gloucester County near Woods Cross Roads at 8586 Poplar Springs Drive. Call (757) 897-9053 for more information. UÊ 7ÌiÀÊ Ì iÃÊ ÀÛi St. Clare Walker Middle School Builders Club and PTO are organizing a winter clothes drive to collect new or gently used hats, scarves, gloves and coats to be distributed this winter. Bring items to the middle school and leave them in one of the donation boxes. UÊ 1ÀL>>Ê /ÜÊ ÕV will hold its annual holiday reception and monthly meeting on the second floor of the town hall. The public is invited to the reception, which begins at 6 p.m., and to stay for the regular meeting that follows at 7 p.m. December 21 – January 4 UÊ ``iÃiÝÊ ÕÌÞÊ *ÕLVÊ -V à close for winter break. December 22 UÊ ,>««> >VÊ ,ÛiÀÊ ,>À>`iÀà meet at 10 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month on the second floor in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Power Squadron building on Ball Park Road in Deltaville. 776-7250 UÊ``iÃiÝÊ*iÌà meet the fourth Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Middlesex County Public Library in Urbanna. UÊ`Ê>Ê at Rappahannock Civic Club on Rt. 33 near Hartfield is open for people to pick up fresh vegetables 9 to 10 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 758-2910 UÊ ÕLÊ-VÕÌÊ*>VÊÎÇä hold its monthly Pack Meeting the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the YMCA in Hartfield. UÊ / iÊ ÃÌÀÞÊ vÊ *ÕLVÊ `ÕV>ÌÊ Ê ``iÃiÝÊ ÕÌÞÊ Ý LÌ will remain open December 24 at the Middlesex County Museum annex in Saluda through December. UÊ >ÞÊ }}½ÃÊ â iiÀ½ÃÊ >Ài}ÛiÀÊ -Õ««ÀÌÊ ÀÕ«Êmeets the fourth Thursday of the month at 1:30 UÊ-Ê >ÃÃÊvÊÓäää is planning a 10-year reunion. p.m. at Port Town Village Apartments in Urbanna. 7582386 Email [email protected] for more information. UÊ ``iÃiÝÊ ÕÌÞÊ iVÀ>ÌVÊ ÌÌii UÊ``iÃiÝÊ>Ê7iv>ÀiÊi>}Õi needs volunteers to help with various issues regarding the county’s abandoned animals. Email [email protected] for more information. meets the fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Cooks Corner Office Complex. Everyone is welcome to attend. UÊ1ÀL>>Ê*>}Ê Ãà meets the fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. in the town hall. UÊÊ >ÃÃià sponsored by Middle Peninsula RACE are being held at Middlesex High School. 769-1151 December 17 UÊ,>««>Ì>VÊ7ÀÌiÀÃÊ À̵ÕiÊÀÕ« meets the third Thursday of the month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Warsaw at the Roadhouse Cafe, Main Street and Route 3 bypass. [email protected] iÌÌiÀÃÊÌÊ->Ì> The Southside Sentinel will publish “Letters to Santa” from local children in its special “Christmas Greetings” section in the December 23 issue. Letters must be emailed to the Sentinel office no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 17—earlier if possible—in order to appear in the special section. Letters should include the child’s first and last name, age, and community of residence. Email Letters to Santa to [email protected] December 24–January 1 UÊ-ÕÌ Ã`iÊ-iÌi closed December 26 UÊÕi}À>ÃÃÊ>`à in concert the fourth Saturday of the month at 7 p.m. at Freeshade Community Center in Syringa. 693-6286 UÊ ``iÃiÝÊ ÕÌÞÊ iVÀ>ÌVÊ ÌÌii meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at the Cooks Corner Government Complex on Rt. 33 near Saluda. www.midcodems.org December 18 January 3, 2010 Peninsula Detachment 1317 of Marine Corps League. Toys can be dropped off at Coffman’s on the Coast, Curves, Hurd’s, Dollar General, Metrocast and Deltaville Market. Toys will be donated to Middlesex County Social Services and distributed locally. The drive ends Weekly Events Thursdays UÊ -ÌÀÞÊ ÕÀ for 2–5 year olds Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at Middlesex County Public Library, Urbanna Branch. 758-5717 UÊ-]Ê/À«ÊÎ{£ meets at 7 p.m. every Thursday at Christ Church Parish Hall in Saluda. 776-7445 UÊ ÕLÊ-VÕÌÊ*>VÊΣ{ meets every other Thursday at 7 p m. at Hermitage Baptist Church in Church View. 758-3058 Fridays UÊ / iÊ 7iLià den of Cub Scout Pack 370 meet every Friday after school at the home of Den Leader Keith Billings. 758-2606 UÊÀ`>ÞÊ } ÌÃÊÊ1ÀL>> All local musicians and poets are invited to perform or recite every Friday night from 5 to 9 p.m. at Cross Street Coffee, 51 Cross St., Urbanna. Mondays UÊÜ>ÃÊ ÕLÊvÊ``iÃiÝ meets at 6 p.m. every Monday at the United Methodist Church in Urbanna. 758-2020. UÊ iÀLVÊ VLÝ} every Monday at 6:15 p.m. in Urbanna at Port Town Village Apartments in the ÀÊ >Ê iÝ«>`i`Ê ÛiÀÃÊ vÊ ÕÀÊ VÕÌÞÊ V>i`>À]Ê«i>ÃiÊÛÃÌÊÜÜÜ°--iÌi°V° Community Room. 815-9587 UÊ } every Monday at 7 p.m. at the Deltaville Rescue Squad. UÊ ÞÊ -VÕÌÊ /À«Ê ÎÇä meets every Monday at 7 p.m. at the YMCA in Hartfield. 758-2606 ay w a Lay w ! No Tuesdays UÊ,Ì>ÀÞÊ ÕLÊmeets every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast at the Pilot House Restaurant in Topping. 694-6416 UÊÃÊ ÕL meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Beacon in Topping. 776-7508 Wednesdays UÊ ÞÊ *ÌÊ >À`iiÀ`à meet every Wednesday from 9 a.m.–noon (weather permitting). 776-7200 UÊ-ÌÀÞÊÕÀÊfor 3–5 year olds, Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. at Lower United Methodist Church. 758-5717 UÊÌÌiÀÃÊÀÕ«Êmeets Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at Urbanna United Methodist Church. UÊÀivÊ>`ÊÃÃÊ-Õ««ÀÌÊÀÕ«Ã] offered by Riverside Walter Reed Hospice, meets Wednesdays from 3 to 4:30 in building D, office 7566 (across from ER). Participants must sign up ahead of time. 693-8819 UÊ} sponsored by the Rappahannock Civic Club “Community Boosters” Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. at 8215 General Puller Highway near Harmony Village. >Ê ÞÕÀÊ iÛiÌÊ ÌÊ i`ÌÀJÃÃiÌi°VÊ LÞÊ À`>ÞÊ vÀÊ VÃ`iÀ>Ì°Ê *i>ÃiÊ ii«Ê ÞÕÀÊ iÛiÌÊ vÀ>ÌÊVÕÀÀiÌ° Recliners In Stock and available now for Christmas delivery! W.F. Booth & So Custom Interiors Inc. UÊV VÃÊÞÕÃÊopen 12-and-12 meeting, 5:30 p.m. at Zoar Baptist Church. 776-7629 UÊ "«iÊ iÊ vÌiÀÃÊ vÀÊ 7ÀÌiÀà 2 to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of every month at the Bay School in Mathews. 725-1278 n, Saturdays Recliners UÊÞÊ> 7 p.m. at Indian Creek Yacht and Country invites all members, families and friends to its end-ofthe-year meeting at the Cooks Corner Office Complex. The meet and greet will begin at 6:30 p.m. and meeting agenda will follow at 7 p.m. /ÞÃÊ vÀÊ /ÌÃÊ ÀÛi sponsored by the Middle We Deliver at Christmas time remind you of anyone? December 28 Club. The Holly Ball Committee is pleased that these young ladies and their families are dedicated to a time honored tradition, to preserving this philanthropic legacy, and standing solidly behind the Foundation’s mission of giving back to its neighboring communities in the Northern Neck and Tidewater area. UÊ ``iÃiÝÊ ÕÌÞÊ iVÀ>ÌVÊ ÌÌii Comfort and Joy Our services include: Home Decorating Consultation Furniture for any Decor Floor Coverings Main St. Kilmarnock Window Treatments Virginia Bedding 804-435-1329 800-543-8894 Home Accessories Mon.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm www.wfbooth.com Dec. 17, 2009 • Southside Sentinel • Urbanna, Va.• A5 at the library by Sherry B. Inabinet Executive Director The library staff and board sends our sincerest sympathy to the families of Martha (Marty) Hawksworth and Ray Toms. For many years Marty was a faithful volunteer at the library and she served on the Friends of the Deltaville Library Board, including the position of president. I always appreciated the professional and friendly manner in which she handled library business. Also, my favorite spring sporty hat is one of Marty’s creations. Ray Toms was the first treasurer of the Friends of the Deltaville Library and continued to serve in that position until two years ago. His records were always accurate and up-to-date. Ray also helped us put together shelving units. Around 2000, the Bedford Library gave our library some shelving units and paperback racks. My husband and I traveled to Bedford to retrieve shelving but failed to load a key part of the base. Ray felt that was just a good excuse for him to make a pleasure trip to Bedford! For many years, Ray’s wife Pat volunteered at both our Deltaville Branch and the Nearly New Thrift Shop. We shall miss both of these wonderful volunteers who demonstrated their love of libraries both by volunteering and supporting us monetarily. Christmas will be here before we know it! Both branches of the library will be closed from 12:30 p.m. on December 23 through December 25. We will reopen at 10 a.m. on December 26 and then be closed December 31 and January 1. No items are due on any of the days that we are closed. Please remember that with a pin number you may renew your library materials online or you may call any time during working hours to renew items. On Tuesday, December 29, at 10:30 a.m., Ginger Inabinet will present a children’s winterthemed program/party at the Urbanna Branch for preschool and kindergarten age children. Then on Wednesday, December 30, at 10:30 a.m. she will present a program for grades 1-5. Books, music, crafts and refreshments will be a part of each program. It will be helpful to know how many children we can expect, so please call 758-5717 if your child plans to attend. Do you have basic computer, Microsoft word, email, or internet questions? Ginger will be available at Urbanna on Tuesday, December 29, from 1 to 5 p.m. to help you with your individual computer problems. She will be available at Deltaville on Wednesday, December 30, from 1 to 5 p.m. to answer similar questions. The U.S. Census Bureau will conduct two more test dates at the Deltaville Branch for people who are seeking 2010 Census jobs. Test dates are Tuesday, December 22, at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, December 30, at 10 a.m. Appointments are encouraged for the testing; walk-ins are accommodated if space allows. Proper documentation must be brought the day of testing. For more information, call 1-866861-2010, visit www.2010censusjobs.gov, or pick up a brochure at the library. Remember to tell us about your favorite books and authors. Happy reading. poet’s corner So Very Long Ago Why is beauty to be found in every earthly thing? The simple, giddy laughter of a child, playing on a swing, Dancing mountain grass or the babbling of a brook below, A sandy sunset or silver moonlight on a freshly fallen snow. Is it of itself a pretty thing or our seeing that makes it so? Perhaps it is because our Maker gave us eyes to see such things So very long ago. How does the silent rainbow or a songbird’s happy melody Always seem to stir our heart because it is so lovely? Someone’s thankful tears of joy from another’s quiet, helping hand, The crispy crackle of a cheery fire just because it is so grand, Or even the scrawly crayon sticks of a child’s first family art. Perhaps it is because the Master wrote such things upon our heart So very long ago. Yet beware distracting dust that surely blurs our view Because we’ve grown too busy to undo And just be still before it chokes life’s music resting on the Soul. So we must daily dust with care and ever wonder toward that starry bowl Or lose that lovely sight and harden into the cold of lonely night. For to wonder of beauty is to enrich our Soul with glorious light And move the heart of Man to dance and sing and laugh, as He once did, So very long ago. —Archie Soucek Christchurch Locks of Love Mackenzie Dize, 5, of Wake recently cut her hair for Locks of Love at Hair by Sarah in Hartfield. She is the daughter of Luke and Susan Dize. Tree seedling store now open Hands Across Virginians looking to plant Virginians who are interested in Middlesex trees on their land in the spring purchasing tree seedlings can visit will have to go no farther the VDOF website at www.dof. meets Sunday than their computer. The Vir- virginia.gov and order from the ginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) opened its online tree seedling store recently. This year, VDOF has expanded the quantities of its offerings. Seedlings are now available in bundles of 10 and 25; previously, the smallest quantity of bare-root seedlings available was 50. The VDOF’s two tree nurseries grow and sell 24 million tree seedlings each year. more than 40 species available. The online store also includes information to help landowners choose the right species, as well as pricing and shipping details. A seedling price guide, with a mailin order form, is also available at any VDOF office. For more information, or to place an order over the phone, call the Augusta Forestry Center at 540-363-7000. The monthly meeting for Hands Across Middlesex will be this Sunday, December 20, at 3:30 p.m. at Forest Chapel United Methodist Church on Route 614 near Warner. Going north from the traffic light in Saluda, turn left off Route 17. Going south from Warner and Church View, turn right off Route 17. The public is invited. Blood drive set for Jan. 5 An American Red Cross blood drive will be held Tuesday, January 5, at Saluda Baptist Church from 1 to 7 p.m. All blood donors will receive a free Emeril oven mitt and recipe cards while supplies last. “Remember to drink plenty of water, eat a good meal, and bring a photo ID. See Lodge donation you there,” said a blood drive Urbanna Masonic Lodge No. 83 recently made a donation spokesperson. to the Middlesex County Public Library. Above, from left, are library board president Llew Samuel, library executive director Sherry Inabinet, and Lance Shores and Steve Mahr of Urbanna Masonic Lodge. (Photo by Larry Chowning) Free health clinic still hopes to raise needed funds for 2009 With just two weeks left in the year, the Northern Neck Free Health Clinic is struggling to meet its 2009 budget and is appealing to the community for any help it can give. The clinic remains about $200,000 short of the $1.2 million needed this year to provide medical, dental and pharmaceutical care to those in need. As usual for this area, many have responded as best they are able to the request for donations, and the clinic and its patients are deeply grateful. “We hope those faithful donors who have supported us over the years will continue to do so, and consider making any year-end donations earlier than usual,” said clinic foundation board president Dexter C. Rumsey III, Esq. “We also hope new donors will join us in our efforts to provide health and hope to those less fortunate than ourselves.” The economic hard times have resulted in a greater demand for services, as more people have become unemployed, endured a reduction in hours, and lost their health insurance coverage, said clinic board president William B. Graham Jr. At the same time, donations have declined along with the economy, and the clinic has been left to meet the greater demand on reduced funding. As a reflection of the overall picture, the board of directors recently approved a muchreduced budget for 2010. This lower budget could impact the clinic’s ability to provide services at the current level, but every effort will be expended to try and maintain existing service levels. ”The clinic is here to bridge the gaps in healthcare, but this year we need to bridge the gap in funding to make it happen,” said executive director Jean Nelson. “We’re blessed to live in a caring community, and the patients themselves contribute about 10 percent of the funds needed. Raising that amount now would go a long way toward getting us through the year.” All contributions, which result in five to six times their value in services, are most welcome and may be sent to the Northern Neck Free Health Clinic, P.O. Box 1694, Kilmarnock, VA 22482, or through its website at www. nnfhc.com. ‘Beekeeping for Beginners’ class offered The Northern Neck Beekeepers Club, in partnership with the Virginia Cooperative Extension, is offering an 8-week basic course in beekeeping beginning January 25, 2010. The class will meet every Monday at 7 p.m. at the Northumberland County Library in Heathsville. Participants will learn everything needed to begin keeping bees, and the class will conclude in time for participants to start their new hives in the spring of 2010. They will also receive free shipping on supplies from a beekeeping supply company and can order their first package(s) of bees with the assistance of the class instructors. Class instructors will include Mike Church, Ed Johnson, Jim Schmalz, Garner Yates and Ted Munns. The total cost of the class is $100 per set of educational materials (family/friends may share the set). Pre-registration for the class is required. To register or receive more information, contact Extension Agent Matt Lewis at 580-5694 or [email protected], or email Margaret Peill at maggiep1@ rocketmail.com. Education foundation plans student environment forum The Lancaster County Virginia Education Foundation Inc. will host a student forum for high school students in The Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School, Christchurch School, Mathews High School, Middlesex High School, Northumberland and Lancaster. The event will be held at Lancaster High School January 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Student applications are available at the guidance counseling center of each of the high schools. Participants will receive a certificate for attendance and will feature achievements earned, said Jamie Alga. Just for attendance, students will be invited to an exclusive party with free skating and food at the new Kilmarnock Bowling Center. Chesapeake Bank is underwriting a free book, “Naked Economics” by Charles Whelan. Student participation certificates will note the reading of this resource. The forum features several noted speakers on issues of the economy, health care reform, terrorism, and scarce resources (our growing dependency on foreign oil and water purity). Dr. Edward Milner, chairman of the Department of Economics at Virginia Commonwealth University, will present the economics session. Robin Clark from the University of Maryland’s School of Law will speak on terrorism. Dr. James McGrath, Ethyl Distinguished professor at Virginia Tech, will present scarce resource issues. Under the theme of today’s leaders motivating tomorrow’s leaders, speakers will interact with student participants, said Alga. One outstanding male and one outstanding female participant will be recognized with monetary awards during the seminar. Students have multiple opportunities to build their college resume with the seminar, explained Alga. They may submit research papers in each topical area for monetary awards (scholarships) and regional press releases. Pets ’N Things 2ELOCATEDFROM.ORFOLKs.EXTTO!NNS&AMILY$INING &AMILYOWNEDSINCE s$ISCOUNTPETAQUARIUMANDPONDSUPPLIES s!QUARIUMPOWERlLTERSASLOWAS s!QUARIUMHEATERSUNDER Congratulations (OURS-ONn3ATAMnPM3UNPMnPM 'EORGE7ASHINGTON-EM(WYs'LENNS Holly & Eric Miller on the birth of their son 804-758-5555 Logan AljkGi\jjGcXp XkJJ\ek`e\c%Zfd Fpjk\i=\jk`mXcHl\\eB\e[XccDZEXd\\Xe[C`kkc\D`jj JgXkBXk`\9iffb\i\gi\j\ek\[LiYXeeXcXjk=i`[Xp`e k_\*(jkXeelXcB`cdXiefZb:_i`jkdXjGXiX[\%Fm\iX _le[i\[\eki`\jÔcc\[DX`eJki\\kYi`e^`e^jd`c\jXe[ :_i`jkdXjZ_\\ikfk_fljXe[jf]jg\ZkXkfij% December 15, 2009 5 lbs., 8 oz. Joseph C. Jones Inc. • Screened Topsoil • Sand • Fill Dirt • Rip-Rap • Gravel • Excavation (804) 815-6343 Delivered to Your Site Merry Christmas from EADES AUTO BODY Hwy. 17, Saluda FREE TOWING When we repair your vehicle s7EWORKWITHALL)NSURANCE#OMPANIES s#ANARRANGE#AR2ENTALS s7INDSHIELD'LASS2EPLACEMENT s2EPAIRBOTH&OREIGNAND$OMESTIC s)#!2#ERTIlED ALL WORK GUARANTEED 758-5959 or 824-4851 A6 • Southside Sentinel • Urbanna, Va. • Dec. 17, 2009 arts & leisure Queen Abigail Leigh Robbins to preside over the 114th Holly Ball Queen Abigail Leigh Robbins is preparing to preside over the seasonal festivities celebrating the 114th Holly Ball. The Holly Ball, the Northern Neck’s oldest traditional Yuletide event, originated in 1895 and began operating as the fund-raising arm of the Tidewater Foundation in the 1950s. The Tidewater Foundation anticipates the proceeds of the 2009 Holly Ball will have a far-reaching impact on the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula communities, as it disperses funds to a diverse group of their recipients. As reigning Holly Ball Queen, Miss Robbins will act as the official hostess of the Tidewater Foundation’s gala fundraiser. The Robbins family has chosen Congressman Robert Wittman to serve as the orator of the 114th Holly Ball. The celebratory events leading up to the Holly Ball are steeped in tradition and preserve the legacy of the Tidewater Foundation’s philanthropic mission. The invitational Queen’s Ball, hosted by reigning Queen Robbins and her parents, was held on Friday, November 27, at Festival Hall in Reedville for the debutantes, their dates and special guests. The custom of crowning a Holly Ball queen originates from a flight of fancy at the first Holly Ball. John Armistead Palmer, host of the holiday dance, was so impressed by the conviviality of the company and the spirit of the season that he pinned a sprig of holly in the hair of one of the attendees, proclaiming, “I crown thee, Queen Cora, Empress of the Holly Realm!” The dance was such a success that it became an annual event each year featuring the coronation of a queen. In the early days of the Holly Ball, queens were gifted each year with ownership of a magnificent and old holly tree, once standing on Good Luck Road. While the tree still stood, newly crowned queens often visited the tree after the ball with their escorts to carve their initials. This beautiful feat of nature succumbed to a storm in the 1950s, and modern queens commemorate the experience using less spectacular means. Miss Abigail Leigh Robbins is the 114th young woman to be honored as Holly Ball Queen. She is a student at Longwood University and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Stoneham Robbins of White Stone. The Holly Ball will be held on Monday, December 28, at Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club in Kilmarnock at 7 p.m. The presentation of debutantes will begin at 8 p.m. with a grand processional and will be followed by an oratory and a figure, or dance pattern, of colonial origins performed by the debutantes and their escorts. At 9 p.m., guests pay tribute to former debutantes. Anticipation continues to build until 10 p.m. when the new queen, chosen by all in attendance, will be crowned by the orator, Congressman Wittman. Dancing music by the “Kings of Swing” continues until midnight. The Holly Ball Committee wishes that everyone enjoys the festivities but reminds those who will be attending that the committee does not condone underage alcohol usage at the ball and that the state law concerning minimum age limits for the consumption of alcohol will be enforced. This delightful Christmas event is enjoyed by families in the spirit of philanthropy, tradition and the holiday spirit. All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. As always, the Tidewater Foundation and Committee of the Holly Ball are grateful to the community for its tremendous support and enthusiastic attendance and to the many businesses who quietly support the ball, making many gifts to the community possible. For ticket information, contact Anna Ransone at (804) 435-3911. rotary club news by Fernando Atienza Fourteen cows for America. Okay, so what are American-owned cows doing in Africa? Ryan Holland, writing in the December issue of “The Rotarian,” reports on this heartwarming story of how a Maasai warrior, affected by the harrowing events of 9/11, got his tribe to send a herd of cows to the United States as a sign of compassion. Holland reports on Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah, a pre-med student at Stanford, who witnessed the devastation while visiting New York City. He went back to his remote village in Kenya and shared his firsthand account with the children and elders of his nomadic tribe. “The Maasai are fierce warriors but easily moved to kindness when they hear of suffering and injustice,” said Holland. Deeply touched, the tribe could only think of one gift to send to the anguishing Americans. This one gift is sacred and precious to them—a cow. The cost of shipping 14 cows, however, was prohibitive and with the advice from the U.S. State Department, the tribe decided “to keep them for the Americans, setting them apart, and vowing never to slaughter or sell them.” Naiyomah’s story was the inspiration for a recently released and best-selling illustrated children’s book about the tribe’s gift, “14 Cows For America,” by Carmen Deedy. It’s a great book to read to your children or grandchildren during this Christmas season. A comment in the book states, “There is no nation so powerful it cannot be wounded, nor a people so small they cannot offer mighty comfort.” (Note: The book is not at the Deltaville Library when I checked, but you can find it at Amazon.com.) As for Naiyomah, he has left his pre-med studies and, having been awarded a Rotary International World Peace Fel- Sentinel to publish Santa letters; deadline today The Southside Sentinel will again publish “Letters to Santa” from local children in its special “Christmas Greetings” section in the December 23 issue. Letters must be emailed, faxed or delivered to the Sentinel office no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 17, in order to appear in the Christmas Greetings special section. Letters should include the child’s first and last name, age, and community of residence. Email Letters to Santa to [email protected]. Norton Yachts earns top Customer Service Award Hunter Marine Corporation, a sailboat manufacturer in Alachua, Florida, awarded Norton Yachts in Deltaville with the #1 Customer Service Award for the 2009 model year. This is the 18th consecutive year that Norton Yachts has received this coveted award. In addition, Norton Yachts received recognition for Outstanding Hunter Sales Performance by finishing the 2009 model year in the #3 position in the world. “In a challenging economic environment, I am very proud of the NYS team and what we have Rotarians love a parade. From left are president Chauncey been able to accomplish together,” Mann, Doc Jones, John Wake, Bonnie Davenport and Car- said NYS president Carolyn olyn Wake in a Model T during the Urbanna Christmas Norton Schmalenberger. “The Norton team has been blessed Parade. with much repeat business and therefore our employee retention lowship, he will now pursue rate remains as high as ever.” studies in peace and conflict resolution beginning JanuParenting class to ary 2010 at the University of Queensland, Australia. And the be offered in K&Q cows? They have since multiThe Middle Peninsula-Northplied and the U.S. now has 40 ern Neck Community Services of them in Kenya. Thank you, Board (CSB) Prevention SerMaasai people. vices Division will sponsor the Oyster Farming 15-week educational series titled Harvesting oysters by “tong“Nurturing Parenting Program ing” and dredging along the for Parents and Their Children Rappahannock River and its Ages 5-11.” The classes will be estuaries was once a major held in King and Queen County source of employment in the county. During the club’s Middlesex Rotary Club pres- beginning January 25 and ending regular Tuesday meeting on ident Chauncey Mann with May 17. The program is designed to December 8 at The Pilot House Becky Bigger. increase family communicaRestaurant in Topping, Rufus tion, cooperation, closeness Ruark of Shores and Ruark water. Seafood in Urbanna fielded One of the few foods that and respect. Parents and chilquestions about this aquacul- can be eaten raw, locals have dren—meeting separately and ture practice from interested found the Rappahannock vari- together—learn to handle feelRotarians. ety of oysters to be very tasty, ings, communicate needs, under“We grow our oysters in particularly so in the winter stand each other better, take charge of their own behaviors cages on private oyster grounds months. in the river,” said Ruark. “We At the same meeting, Rotary and emotions, feel good about find this advantageous because Club president Chauncey themselves, enjoy each other and we can control the quality of Mann called Becky Bigger have fun. The group takes place in a our product.” front and center and presented Ruark also described some her with a token of appre- supportive and nurturing atmoproblems that could affect ciation for service to the club sphere, it is open to the public the harvest –predators such during its meetings. Becky is a and it is free of charge. The proas skates and crabs, weather, longtime Pilot House Restau- gram will be held on Monday evenings at Central High and changes in salinity of the rant waitress. In other news, the club par- School, 17024 The Trail, King ticipated in the recent Urbanna and Queen Court House, from Christmas Parade. Driving his 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dinner will be model T, Doc Jones ferried provided each night during the club president Chauncey Mann 15-week course. To pre-register, visit www. with the most senior Rotarian, John Wake, and arguably the rvuc.com or for further informamost junior Rotarian at the tion, call 758-9398 or toll free at 1-888-773-8550. event, Bonnie Davenport. HTS ,AWN#AREs,ANDSCAPING 4REE2EMOVALs,OT#LEARING 2IP2APs"ULKHEADSs0IERS2EPAIRS NARFE officers Northern Neck NARFE Chapter 1823 held its annual holiday luncheon on December 1 at Westminster-Canterbury in Irvington. After lunch, Sharon Rose, the Virginia NARFE Area 1 vice president, installed the officers who will lead the chapter in 2010 and 2011. Above, from left, are Virginia NARFE Area 1 Vice President Sharon Rose; first vice president B.J. McMillan, and secretary Pat Twiford; back row, NARFE Virginia Federation of Chapters President Bill Martin; chapter president John Krainock and treasurer Ted Munns. “Harvey’s Tree Service” s &INANCING!VAILABLE Alzheimer’s Association names new regional office coordinator Ring in the New Year at the Steamboat Restaurant Join your friends for an evening of fun as we celebrate the new year. The evening includes Hors d’oeuvres from 8:30–10:30 p.m., Entertainment provided by Treehouse from 9–12 and a Champagne Toast at Midnight. Members receive 2 free cart fees per couple and non-members receive 1 green fee and cart fee per couple. Cost: $80 per couple for Members and $100 per couple for non-members The restaurant is also open for regular dinner service from 6–8 p.m. Reservation Required (804) 776-6516, ext. 2 Limited to the first 125 people, so call today!!! The Alzheimer’s Association has named Ellie Galloway as its branch office coordinator for the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck. She took the post October 26. Galloway is charged with building awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and of the many services offered by the Alzheimer’s Association. She will also help foster community partnerships and will recruit and coordinate volunteers in her area. In addition, she is responsible for fundraising and she will oversee the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Memory Walk in Gloucester. Most recently, Galloway served as marketing director for a family-owned construction business, Red Hawk Properties, which specializes in home renovations for seniors. Prior to that, she was community services coordinator and sales counselor for Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury. She (804) 642-6461 • Gloucester Point Ellie Galloway was also director of community relations for Brighton Gardens in Richmond. She also worked at Imperial Plaza in Richmond. Galloway can be reached at 804-695-9382. Her email is [email protected]. Porch Rockers • Gliders Windmills • Adirondack Chairs • Wishing Wells Lighthouses • Mailboxes Wagon Wheels • Arbors Wheelbarrows • Swings Water Pumps • Bridges Victorian Swings • Tables Water troughs • A-Frames Dec. 17, 2009 • Southside Sentinel • Urbanna, Va.• A7 Dr. Emory Lewis to retire; Dr. Bagnall to replace him Mary Ball Washington Museum open house set for Saturday Jeri Sibley, Riverside Medical Group Practice Director for the Tappahannock/Northern Neck Region, recently announced the coming retirement of Dr. Emory Lewis. Sibley reports that Dr. Lewis informed Riverside of his desire to retire in 2007 and Riverside began recruitment immediately. Riverside was able to gain a commitment from Dr. Richard Bagnall, a skilled and respected local physician, to provide a transition of care for patients of the Lewis Clinic. Dr. Bagnall is a resident of the Northern Neck and most recently practiced at the Northern Neck Free Clinic and Riverside White Stone Family Practice. Dr. Lewis participated in the interview process with Dr. Bagnall and wholeheartedly endorses him as his replacement. Dr. Bagnall started seeing patients at Bay Harbor Medical Center in Burgess on November 2 and will begin seeing patients at the Lewis Clinic in January. The Bay Harbor and Lewis Clinic practices will be merged at the Bay Harbor office on March 1 when Dr. Lewis retires. Riverside Bay Harbor is on Route 200 about a mile from the Riverside Lewis Clinic. The facility has been completely renovated and is approximately twice as large as the Lewis Clinic facility and can easily accommodate two physicians and a third physician or nurse practitioner when volume dictates the need for future growth. Riverside also recently added a second physician to Dr. Michael The Mary Ball Washington Museum and Gift Shop in Lancaster Court House will hold a free open house on Saturday, December 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the new exhibit “Glimpses of Colonial and Early American Life,” which includes examples from the museum collection of silverware, tableware, clothing, jewelry, furniture, and other domestic items from the 1700s and early 1800s. This exhibit will be open December 17-19 and January 6-29. The museum will be closed December 20-January 5. This Saturday will also be the last day for visitors to see the other featured exhibit, “The Church in the Village: 125 Years of Trinity Episcopal,” and to holiday shop in the museum store. New items have been added recently to the shop and many products are made Chatterson’s practice in Callao. Dr. Donna LaMarque-Ambrose is now seeing patients at Riverside Callao Medical Arts. In addition, Riverside opened an Urgent Care Center in Tappahannock on September 14. Dr. Richard Wineland, a longtime resident of Weems, is one of two full-time physicians providing care at that location. The Center is open seven days a week, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Recruitment is also under way at the Riverside White Stone Family Practice where Riverside plans to add another full-time physician to join Dr. Keith Cubbage and Dr. David Nichols. Dr. David Kemp also recently began seeing patients at the White Stone office three days a week to assure patient access as recruitment continues. “Riverside Health System is committed to providing quality health care to the citizens of the Northern Neck and we are very grateful for the years of dedicated service provided by Dr. Lewis and his staff,” said Riverside spokesperson. Dr. James Dudley, chairman of the board of Riverside Medical Group stated, “We respect Dr. Lewis’ decision to retire and have made every effort to continue the great service he has provided to the community. We wish him the very best that retirement has to offer in the beautiful Northern Neck area and will look forward to the privilege of continuing to provide care to his patients.” lmvfd love lights Recent white light “in memory of ” contributions to the Lower Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department (LMVFD) Auxiliary Love Light Tree include: Andrew “Doodlebug” Blake by Marilyn Bess; Mildred and Len Barnes by Diane and Bobby Faulkner; Woody Tompkins by Diane and Bobby Faulkner; Naomi and Albert Johnson by Diane and Bobby Faulkner; and Anne Abele by Diane and Qu #ALL#HUCK $/4/7). a Tree Ser l it y v ic e 3TUCK Bobby Faulkner. Recent white light “in honor of ” contributions include: Edith and Robert Faulkner by Diane and Bobby Faulkner; and Anne Tompkins by Diane and Bobby Faulkner. A blue light donation was received from Carolyn Bergamo. A blue light was given in memory of Games and Almedia Dozier by Deborah and Richard Haynes. All phases of tree care Free Estimates 758-3407 www.qualitytreeservices.net Angelo’s Colonial Pizza will be closed Dec. 25 – Jan. 18 and reopen January 19 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! From the Colonial Pizza Family (804) 758-4079 Urbanna, Virginia The íteamboat ìestaurant Our Sunday Buffet Brunch is Back & Better than Ever! Sunday, December 13th from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Come in & enjoy the following selections • Salad & Fruit Bar 50 years of Masonic service Reuben Amy Sr. (third from left) was recently honored by friends, family and lodge members for 50 years of service to Bethlehem Star Masonic Lodge in Saluda. Family members at the ceremony included, above from left, Freddie Amy, Dr. Griselda Bayton, Mr. Amy and Reuben Amy Jr. (Photo by Larry Chowning) Bay School seeks entries in Wearable/Fiber Art Show The Bay School Community Arts Center on Main Street in Mathews invites the public to enter its annual Wearable/ Fiber Art Show set for January 23-February 13, 2010. Cash prizes totaling $800 will be awarded to the best overall, the best in show in professional fiber and jewelry, and amateur fiber and jewelry. Honorable mention ribbons also will be given in the same categories. Wearable art includes clothing, purses, jewelry, scarves, gloves, etc. Anything fiber is welcome to enter, including quilts, knitted or crocheted pieces, hooked pieces, needlepoint, etc. All fiber pieces will be judged against each other as all jewelry will be judged in the jewelry category. The judging will be based on: 1. Over- all level of craftsmanship; 2. Originality of design; 3. Functionality; and 4. Creative use of materials. On January 23 at 6:30 p.m. there will be an awards reception. At 7 p.m., the popular fashion show returns featuring the wearable art creations with the public invited. The reception/fashion show will feature wine and gourmet appetizers. The entry fee is $25 for up to three pieces to be judged. Forms are due preferably by January 5, but later forms will be accepted. The actual artwork is due no later than January 21. To enter, call 725-1278 for an entry form. The Bay School Community Arts Center is a non-profit arts educational facility and organization in Mathews. by local artists and crafters. There is also a large selection of regional history books and works by local authors. New titles include “Chesapeake Reflections” by J.H. Hall and “Fight On, My Soul: A colored doctor’s battle against disease, discrimination, and ignorance in rural Jim Crow Virginia,” a biography of Dr. Morgan E. Norris of Lancaster County by his son Dr. James Norris. The ever-popular “Lancaster County: Where the River Meets the Bay” history book is available in hardcover and paperback, and Ed Trexler’s “Civil War Northern Neck” is also in stock. All gift shop sales support the non-profit Mary Ball Washington Museum & Library. Museum admission fees will be waived for the Saturday open house, but donations are welcome. For more information, contact 804-462-7280 or www.mbwm.org. Online guidebook has photos of all area historical markers Markerhistory.com today road markers in the Northannounced the release of “Vir- ern Neck, Middle Peninsula ginia Marker History Volume and Eastern Shore regions. VI—Northern Neck, Middle Consisting of 216 pages, it Peninsula and Eastern Shore includes a full page color Region” as part of its Histori- image of each marker in Accocal Marker Collection series. mack, Essex, Gloucester, “The Northern Neck, King and Queen, King WilMiddle Peninsula and Eastern liam, Lancaster, Mathews, Shore region guidebook brings Middlesex, Northampton, history home, eliminating Northumberland, Richmond the danger of slowing down and Westmoreland counties. or pulling over on busy roads It also includes a convenient to read the markers,” accord- marker title, marker number, ing to Richard Harrison, pub- gps coordinate, and geolisher, markerhistory.com. graphic location index for easy “For people who view and read reference at home or on the images of historical road mark- road. The marker images are ers online, it adds an element grouped by key historic periof convenience and enjoyment ods and arranged chronologiby removing the requirement cally within each, providing a to be in front of a screen.” unique regional composite of Markerhistory.com is a pic- significant places, events and torial guidebook to the more people that define our past and places him on a shelf above than 190 Virginia historical have shaped who we are today. her bed. But during the night, Jerome explores the house and sometimes even leaves the house. Sometimes he can be found in unusual places 7321 J. CLAYTON HIGHWAY 14, GLOUCESTER, VA. the next morning. One time Visit our website www.hillsidecinema.com he was in a poinsettia that or call us at (804) 693-2770 or (804) 693-7766 had been delivered the day for show schedules and times. before. Another morning she found him sitting on the floor with a toy between his legs. One day he actually went to the school Lillie goes to. He sat on a shelf watching the class and Lillie wasn’t sure that it was her elf because another classmate has one too. His elf has brown eyes. Home of THE Virginia Sandwich, But Jerome has blue eyes so she is pretty sure Jerome was Righteous Ribs and Bodacious Butts there. When she got home and looked for Jerome, he was on the shelf over her bed. Kelly Rt. 602 & 603 in Downtown Pinetree, Between Urbanna & Remlik Thomas is Lillie’s teacher, which explains how Jerome caught a ride to school and We will be open on Wednesday of Christmas week, home again. Jerry McMurtrie does then we will be closed until mid-January for clean-up. very little that he is “told” to do by his loving wife. Order your Christmas turkey now She knows that. Have a very happy birthday tomorrow Pick-up Wed. or by arrangement on Tues. and Thurs. Lynne. And Jerry didn’t “do” it. Happy birthday to Jenny Come by and taste our REAL adult Eggnog ice cream! Crittenden, Margaret Luck and Barry Coffman, who celMerry Christmas, or whatever, ebrate birthdays this weekend. and a Happy New Year! Should you be looking for a little something to do, people Call in Orders 758-8000 are needed to take the census H O UR S: 7EDs4HURSs&RIAMnPM and you actually get paid for 3ATAMnPM3UNAMnPM doing the job. It is usually in your own neighborhood so #LOSED-ON4UES it is not like you are going http://pine3.info/ to be lost. You can pick up applications at the Deltaville Library. The questions you have to answer to get the job are easy. Not many people have applied, so there is a need. David Taylor shared the news that CDs were made this year of the Chesapeake Chorale concerts. They are on sale for $10. Another nice Christmas present. We are at the winter solstice and now the days start getting longer. That is a good thing. “It takes a man of vision to make a decision.” Fair winds. around deltaville by T.D. Harris The DCA sponsored another successful Christmas Boat Tour. The weather was chilly but Captain Crown’s boat was closed in and warm. His son Nat offered hot coffee and passed out mints. Being on the boat was rather like being on a plane, except the seating was more comfortable. The homes along the creek were decorated beautifully and the “ooo’s” and “ah’s” from everyone added to the ambiance. Someone even started singing Christmas carols. Rebecca Walker and some of her school friends put out luminaries along Lovers Lane down to the pier. Dylan Perry was out helping the girls. Rather like “killing two birds with one stone.” The cookies at the DCA were delicious and the folks that brought them go down in my book as special folks. In fact, all of the people who made the cruise so successful are special and deserve kudos. For those of you that do not know about the DCA, it stands for the Deltaville Community Association and is open to everyone. Come to the meetings and participate in all of the activities it sponsors. There are no dues. It really is just a group of people that want to be part of doing things for Deltaville. From the beginning, the fire department, rescue squad and museum owe their start from people who were part of the DCA. When Dr. Felton came to Deltaville it was because people in the DCA thought it was time to encourage a doctor to come to this area. The meetings are the third Thursday of the month around 7 p.m. A reminder that the DCA calendars have arrived and can be picked up at Nauti Nell’s or NAPA, or you can call the person that took your order. There are a few left over should you wish to give one as a Christmas present. Lillie Taylor has an elf named Jerome. At night she HILLSIDE CINEMA 4PNFUIJOH%JGGFSFOU 4QFDJBMUZ'PPET%FMJ Pilot House Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Beacon December 31, 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. • Assorted Muffins & Sweet Breads Music by Midnight Cowboys • She-Crab Soup • Carving Station – Prime Rib Hors d’oeuvres, hats, favors, Champagne & breakfast at midnight $69.95 per couple or $109.95 with a room Make your reservations now! • Omelet & Waffle Station and much, much more! $15.95 per person Call (804) 776-6589 for reservations from the Southside Sentinel! 2737 Greys Point Road s State Rt. 3 s Topping (804) 758-2262 A8 • Southside Sentinel • Urbanna, Va. • Dec. 17, 2009 church obituaries Musical is Sunday at Hermitage Baptist Martha Hawksworth Charles F. Cox Sr. Obituary listings are updated on SSentinel.com as soon as possible The adult choir of Hermitage Baptist Church at Church View will present the Christmas musical and simple drama, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” on Sunday, December 20, at 7 p.m. The setting of the story is a small town square as the local church gets ready for its annual Christmas presentation. Through the eyes of a street vendor, several heartfelt sto- ries are retold to communicate just what makes this season so special. “We are reminded that giving is what Christmas is about—God sending His one and only Son to bring us a gift we did not deserve—the free gift of salvation,” said a church spokesperson. Fellowship and refreshments will follow. Everyone is invited to enjoy this celebration of the season. Remlik Wesleyan to present Christmas programs Sunday This Sunday, December 20, Remlik Wesleyan Church will have two Christmas programs. At 10:45 a.m. there will be an interactive nativity scene. Church pastor Bill Smith will interview Joseph, Mary, the angels, shepherds, Wise Men, and even the animals about their reaction to the birth of Jesus. Communion will follow the Nativity. At 6 p.m. a play titled “It’s a Jingle Out There,” will be presented. A family is lost in a snowstorm and go into a church where it is warm. It is not a Christian family. While hiding there, family members listen in on the Christmas play practice that is taking place. They hear the story of Jesus from his birth to the cross. It changes their lives. Everyone is welcome to these two programs. Refreshments will follow the Sunday evening program. HGBC services Urbanna to feature Methodist plans services bells and choir On Sunday, December 20, at 11 a.m., the Urbanna United Methodist Church choir will lead worship with a traditional, musical worship of lessons and carols. On Thursday, December 24, at 5 p.m. the public is invited to join church members on Christmas Eve for a candlelight and communion worship. Call 758-5308 for more information. Christ Church Christmas services set All are invited to celebrate the Nativity of Christ on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Christ Church Parish (Episcopal). On Christmas Eve, December 24, a “Concert for Choir and Organ” will begin at 10:30 p.m. Festival Solemn Midnight Mass will begin at 11 p.m. On Christmas Day, December 25, a quiet Service of Holy Communion will be celebrated at 10 a.m. The celebrant of both services will be The Rev. Paul Andersen, rector. Christ Church Parish (Episcopal) is at Routes 33 and 638 adjacent to Christchurch School. For information, call 758-2006. Christmas Eve service planned Trinity Lutheran Church will hold an early Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m. in the Middlesex Woman’s Club building in Urbanna. All are invited to attend. On Sunday, December 20, at the 11 a.m. worship service, “The Fears Sisters”—Mary Mercer, Evelyna Lawson and Ann Leigh will present special music. They will be accompanied by Evelyna’s son, David Lawson, on the guitar. “The Harmony Ringers,” a three-octave bell choir, will open the service with “Angels We Have Heard on High” and, later in the service, present “Angels and Shepherds.” At 2 p.m. Sunday, church members and guests will go out into the community Christmas caroling, weather permitting, and deliver fruit baskets to shut-ins. On Christmas Eve, Harmony Grove will have a 5 p.m. candlelight service featuring scripture reading, singing of carols, lighting of the “Jesus” candle, and placing of the final figurines by the children into the manger scene. The chancel choir will sing “O Holy Night.” Glebe Landing plans program At 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 20, at Glebe Landing Baptist Church at Laneview, the public is invited to experience an unusual program for worship that brings together the elements of Christmas Eve worship, a Moravian love feast (including fresh baked bread and Wassail), and features of multiple Advent worship services. No sermon or homily will be delivered, but preaching will take place in music, drama, fellowship and silence. The worship will conclude by lighting the Christ candle and receiving and sharing of the light and leaving in silence. “On earth peace, good will toward men” is the topic of this week’s Christian Science Sentinel Program Now airing on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Tune in Sunday, December 20 on WKWI Bay 101.7 FM www.NNChristianScience.org Holiday Hours: Thursday, December 24: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Closed December 25 – December 27 Re-opening Monday, December 28 at 9 a.m. Happy Holidays! !CROSSFROMTHE(ARTlELD0OST/FlCEs'ENERAL0ULLER(wy. 0/"OX(ARTlELD6! (804) 776-9990 -ONn&RIns3ATn 6ISITOUR7EBSITEATWWWMEDICINESHOPPECOM Martha (Marty) Stainback Hawksworth, 66, passed away on December 9, 2009, at her home in Deltaville after almost a year-long fight with cancer. Mrs. Hawksworth was born on September 4, 1943, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to the late John Howard Stainback and the late Mary Richmond Stainback. She is survived by her brother, John Howard Stainback Jr., and sister, Sara Tuffs, both of Mebine, N.C.; her husband of 44 years, Tom T. Hawksworth II, her daughter, Carolyn H. McGuire, her husband Stacy McGuire and their children, Staisa, Josh, Sarah, Matthew and Daniel of Franklin, Tenn.; her daughter, Elizabeth M.H. Azevedo, her husband Rev. Dale Azevedo and their children, Jesse and Seth of Middlefield, Conn.; her daughter Kathryn H. Black, her husband Brian Black and their children, Riley and Dariuz of Broken Arrow, Okla.; and her daughter Dr. Martha L. Hawksworth of Southwick, Mass. Mrs. Hawksworth graduated from Ridgewood (N.J.) High School in 1961 and from the Medical College of Virginia, School of Nursing in 1965. On August 14, 1965, she was married to Tom T. Hawksworth II in Saint Theresa Catholic Church in Gloucester. She and her husband moved many times throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. She gave up her nursing career to raise their four daughters. She was very involved with their education and their wide variety of after-school activities. Throughout all the family relocations Marty always met her daughters at home when they returned from school each day to listen to them, to encourage them and to help them. In February 1997, the Hawksworths moved back to the family home on Stove Point in Deltaville. Mrs. Hawksworth started Hawksnest Crafts, a needlework and embroidering business that showcased her love and creativity in many of the needlework crafts. She showed her works at many events in the local area. She became very involved in the community with her volunteer work. She served on the board of directors and as president of the Friends of the Deltaville Library, she worked the Red Cross blood drives in Deltaville, she served on the board of directors of the Deltaville Community Association, was a member of the USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 62 in Deltaville, served on the board of directors of the Deltaville Maritime Museum and Holly Point Nature Park when it started, worked at Holly Point Nature Park as one of the original “Gardenerds” who were dedicated to improving and caring for the nature park. Because of her love of plants and flowers, she became a Master Gardener and used this knowledge to improve the park. On September 12, 2009, the park’s new greenhouse was dedicated to her for all her efforts. Mrs. Hawksworth was very involved with The Church Of The Visitation, the Roman Catholic Church in Middlesex County. She served on the Sacristy Committee and as head of the Haiti Twining Project from the inception, which worked with Saint Michael Parish in Boucan-Carre, Haiti. She was especially interested in projects that supported the children of Boucan-Carre. She lived her life by the same qualities that drew her into nursing. She was the most caring, giving, forgiving and loving person and will be missed very much by her husband, her family and the many friends whose lives she has touched. A funeral Mass was held at The Church Of The Visitation on Monday. Internment followed in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Church Of The Visitation Haiti Twining Project, P.O. Box 38 Topping, VA 23169; or to Deltaville Maritime Museum and Holly Point Nature Park for Marty’s Greenhouse at P.O. Box 466, Deltaville, VA 23043. Elder Charles F. Cox Sr. passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2009. He served in the U.S Navy during WWII and later became an ordained minister, serving as pastor of Apostolic Faith Church in Saluda for over 20 years. Elder Cox is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Lois Cox; two daughters, Gayzelle (William) Taylor Sr. and Jennifer Burrell; three sons, Charles Jr., Vernon (Elizabeth), and Garry (Faye) Cox; seven grandchildren; five greatgrandchildren; three greatgreat-grandchildren; and two brothers, Bishop Lindbergh (Mildred) and Deacon Richard (Glena) Cox. Homegoing services were held at Refuge Assembly of Yahweh in his native home, Powhatan, on December 15 with Dr. C. Lewis Motley officiating and Elder Nezer Yarborough eulogizing. Katherine H. Javins Katherine “Kitty” H. Javins, 89, of Deltaville died peacefully surrounded by her family on December 11, 2009. She was the widow of Davis L. Javins. She also was preceded in death by a daughter, Katherine Ann Hines. She is survived by two daughters, Laura F. Jones (Buck) and Billie Lee Mills; sisters, Jane Cole and Shirley Welch; brother, Landon Smithers (Janie); eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; her long-time dear friend R.C. “Cal” Moore; and a host of relatives and friends. A memorial service was held Monday at Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Saluda. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the Middlesex Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 98, Deltaville, VA 23043. Helen M. Thomas Helen May Thomas, 96, of Urbanna died Sunday, December 13, 2009. She was the widow of Vernon E. Thomas and a member of Hyattsville Presbyterian Church in Hyattsville, Md. Mrs. Thomas was a graduate of Strayer Business College in Washington, D.C., retired manager of Hyattsville Elementary School Cafeteria in Hyattsville, Md., and a former employee of National Geographic. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Richard V. and Lynn Thomas of Urbanna; two grandsons, Brendan Thomas of Palm Beach, Fla., and Justin Thomas and wife Katharina of Chicago, Ill.; a great grandson, Levi Thomas; and two sisters, Mary Anne Fitton of Bloomfield, N.J., and Ruthie White of Atlanta, Ga. Services will be private. Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Currie Funeral Home in Kilmarnock is in charge of arrangements. Movie to be discussed The Theology and the Arts Discussion Group will discuss the movie “Cinema Paradisio” at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 17, at Living Water Lutheran Church, 83 Bluff Point Rd., Kilmarnock. Raymond Ezra Toms Jr., 85, of Deltaville passed away on December 11, 2009 at his home in Deltaville from injuries suffered in an auto accident on December 7. Mr. Toms was the son of Raymond E. Toms Sr. of Frederick, Md., and Paulina Judy Toms of Mt. Sterling, Ky. He was born in 1924 in Montgomery, Ala., and grew up in Chevy Chase, Md., where he graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. Through his neighbors in Maryland, Mr. Toms was introduced to the sport of sailing, which became a lifelong pursuit. Mr. Toms was in his first year at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, now known as Virginia Tech, when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He tried to enlist in the Marine Corps the next day, but was denied entry because of his age, 17. After completing two years at VPI, he enlisted in the Marines, trained as a navigator/ bombardier on B-25 Mitchell bombers, and deployed with VMB-443 to the South Pacific. Stationed at Emirau in the Bismarck Archipelago, he flew 45 combat missions, primarily against Japanese bases in Rabaul and Kavieng on the north shore of Papua, New Guinea. Mr. Toms was awarded the Marine Corps Air Medal for gallantry in battle in raids in January and December of 1944 and 1945. Mr. Toms was rotating back to the states when the war ended in August of 1945. Following his discharge from the Marines, Mr. Toms married Patty Clif Lane of Mt. Sterling, Ky., and returned to VPI to complete his civil engineering degree. Mr. Toms first found work with Union Carbide in Charleston, W,Va., then was recalled to active duty in the Marines, again as a navigator, this time ferrying wounded and supplies from Japan to the U.S. After this tour of duty, Mr. Toms began a career in mechanical equipment sales and service, first with Wallace and Tiernan in Roanoke, and then with Shultz and James in Richmond, where he became a vice president and received many HVAC equipment sales awards. Mr. Toms ended his career with the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps at Fort Lee, specializing in the design and installation of refrigeration systems for Army commissaries all over the world. Competitive sailing was a passion in Mr. Toms’ life for many years. Sailing often with a mix of his five children aboard his Ranger 26 “White Cap,” he won numerous trophies on the Chesapeake, primarily at Fishing Bay Yacht Club in Deltaville, but also in Hampton and Annapolis. In retirement, Mr. Toms participated in many offshore sailboat deliveries, helped a friend to launch a new one-design sailboat class, The Frontrunner, and traveled frequently to promote the boat. He continued to sail competitively into his eighties. Mr. Toms and his wife retired to Deltaville in 1988. From his trophy-filled home on Jackson Creek, he could see his sailboat on the pier at Fishing Bay Yacht Club. He volunteered many hours to the club and was very proud to have been awarded the Matthew Fontaine Maury Trophy in recognition of his service. Mr. Toms also volunteered many hours to the community in Middlesex County, where he was treasurer of the Friends of the Library for 15 years. He donated over 100 pints of blood in the years he lived in Deltaville. His grandchildren, who lived in King William County, were thrilled when he played Santa in the annual Walkerton Christmas Parade. In retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Toms traveled extensively to Europe, Australia and New Zealand. He even convinced Mrs. Toms to raft the Colorado River with him. He also returned to the islands where he served in the South Pacific and fondly remembered being feted to a hero’s welcome dinner by natives in Pulua. At Rabaul harbor, he found that a target he had tried to bomb on most missions, a radar-controlled gun on a prominent point of land, was still there, pointed at the sky and surrounded by craters from near-miss bombs. In addition to his wife of 63 years, Patty Toms, Mr. Toms is survived by three daughters, Sara Spoerri of Capitan, N.M., Anne Richardson (Don) of Norfolk, and Kenney Cobb of Richmond; two sons, Lewis (Sandy) of Charlotte, N.C., and Michael (MaryJo) of Charlottesville; 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Memorial services were held at Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Saluda on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in memory of Raymond Toms. Christmas Eve service set at Clarksbury A Christmas Eve service will be held at Clarksbury United Methodist Church in Hardyville on Thursday, December 24, at 7 p.m. This will be a service of candlelight and Holy Communion. “All are welcome as we celebrate the birth of the Messiah,” said a church spokesperson. at your I feel a simple “thank you” is not sufficient in expressing our deepest appreciation for the many wonderful acts of love and kindness shown Robert and us during the last two years of his sickness. There is no way I can tell you how much we appreciate the MANY, MANY PRAYERS, phone calls, visits, transportation, flowers, cards, the abundance of food, donations, attendance at both the visitation and funeral services and your thoughts. God has truly blessed us with a wonderful family and many, many great friends. Each of you holds a special place in our hearts. Anita, Bobby, Davis Wilson and families. AUTOMATIC STANDBY GENERATORS Are You Prepared? When the Power goes out, depend on a Briggs & Stratton automatic standby generator installed by NNG to supply automatic back-up electricity to your home’s essential items. Life is better with power. (804) 435-7120 1-866-581-4NNG [email protected] Generator Specialists Since 1994 Christmas service set at Immanuel On Friday, December 25, from 10 to 11 a.m., Immanuel Baptist Church in Saluda will have a Christmas service. All are welcome to attend. Raymond E. Toms Jr. Load Testing Performed on all Generators sK7K7GENERATORS s2ESIDENTIAL#OMMERCIAL s4URNKEY)NSTALLATIONS s'UARDIAN%LITE#ERTIlED3ERVICE s2OUTINE-AINTENANCE Season’s Greetings